How do I get the most out of Medicare?

If you are receiving or are about to start receiving Medicare, you are likely aware of its many benefits. Medicare's aim is to help provide eligible recipients with affordable healthcare, which becomes even more important as we get older. And there are some measures you can take that will allow you to take full advantage of all that Medicare has to offer.

The following steps can really help maximize your Medicare program:

Fully assess your current health needs and compare them to the plans that are available. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to choose a plan offered through the government or a plan that is available from a private company but is government regulated.

Make sure whatever plan you choose provides you with the best prices for your prescription drugs. Take an inventory of your prescriptions and match them against the drugs covered by the various plans you are considering.

Sign up before the deadline. If you are eligible for Medicare because you are about to turn 65, you have a seven-month window, which consists of the three months before your birthday, your birthday month and the three months following in which to enroll. You can also enroll during the first three months of every year. Missing the deadline can cause your Part B premiums to increase significantly.

It would be nice if there was a one-size-fits-all Medicaid solution, but this is not the case. It is understandable if you find the system perplexing, but fortunately, help is available. An elder care attorney who takes a holistic approach to providing legal and other related services can aid you in choosing a plan that works best for you both financially and care-wise.

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